India's Vultures

Few avian or other taxa have experienced more abrupt, rapid, and widespread species losses than South Asian Gyps vulture populations since the 1990s- according to a study by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), UK.

 

Although it’s worrisome, this is the terrible reality of Indian vultures. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species still lists four of the nine vulture species found in India as being "Critically Endangered."

 

Of these nine vulture species, five are monotypic and four are members of the genus Gyps. In the 1980s, there were reportedly four crore vultures living in India. Their population fell to less than a lakh by 2007. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory veterinary medication diclofenac is a crucial factor in this catastrophic decline. Vultures are poisoned by the medication when they consume animal corpses that have been treated with diclofenac. 

 

Since the mid-1990s, when the link between the drug diclofenac and the decline in vulture populations first became apparent, substantial steps have been done to discourage the use of this medication. Other primary and secondary dangers that vultures encounter include being struck by electrical wires and electrocuted, getting hurt by kite strings during festival season, and being poisoned by bait (usually intended for other wildlife). 

 

The good news is that numerous conservation initiatives are currently underway to save and enhance the vulture populations throughout the nation. 

 

The Vulture Conservation Breeding Center (VCBC), located in Pinjore, Haryana, was built in 2001 by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and the Haryana Forest Department. The center is aggressively attempting to save the Indian, White-rumped, and Slender-billed Vultures from extinction. 

 

In order to provide the raptors with food, animal carcasses are dumped in the Jorbeer Conservation Reserve in Bikaner, Rajasthan. Vultures of all species frequent this "vulture restaurant" to access secure food. 

 

In addition, BNHS has worked to safeguard Gyps vultures by establishing Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) and raising public awareness of the risks associated with the use of diclofenac. In reality, the IUCN has classified the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) as being in "Least Concern.

“Additionally, a number of actions have been outlined in India's Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020–2025, including the improvement of conservation breeding programs, population monitoring, and the establishment of rescue facilities. Although it seems like things are improving, the road ahead is difficult and lengthy, as seen by the conservation status of numerous species. Beyond safety precautions, people need to be aware of the function vultures provide in the ecology. 

 

Despite being revered in Indian mythology, the ‘’Jatayu’’ have a terrible reputation because vultures frequently circle close to them and eat carcasses. Google searches for queries like "What do vultures eat?" and "Where do vultures reside" are still common, demonstrating an underlying worry about the raptors. The success of many conservation programs can be greatly aided by acceptance and awareness. 

 

We give you some fundamental knowledge on the nine vulture species that can be found on the Indian subcontinent in this article. This should motivate you to discuss vulture preservation and lend your support to certain active initiatives.

 

Long-billed Vulture, The Indian Vulture, which is closely related to the European Griffon, is typically found in woods, grasslands, and shrub lands. It is seen close to human-occupied regions like cities, towns, and agricultural areas, just like many other vulture species. This vulture can be found all over the Indian subcontinent and its neighboring nations, as its name suggests. 

 

The Indian Vulture is a medium-sized raptor with white feathers and a black body. The white patch on its neck is more noticeable on the back. When there are no cliffs near their habitat, Indian Vultures build their nests in trees. They are found around slaughterhouses, along with other vulture species, searching for carcasses and mostly eat on carrion. 

 

The Himalayan Long-billed, Slender-billed Grasslands and woodlands are preferred habitats for vultures. They live in the sub-Himalayan areas and the Gangetic plains in the northern parts of India, where they are most frequently observed. Their light underparts, long, slender necks, and dark, narrow bills serve as identifying features. They are less frequent in places near human habitation than other vultures. They consume carrion, and huge flocks are frequently spotted close to carcasses. These vultures only migrate occasionally, primarily in pursuit of prey. Slender-billed Tall trees are where vultures build their nests. 

 

White Scavenger Vulture, Pharaoh's Chicken Status, Egyptian vultures, which are considerably smaller than other vulture species, used to be common in urban areas. They can presently be found in a few locations, mostly in open spaces, next to river banks, and near major waste dumps. Rockier terrain and coastal cliffs are their favored habitats. They can be recognized by their golden heads and white and black feathering. Although they typically eat carrion, they have also been observed to consume eggs, small birds, and discarded fruits. They snag little morsels of flesh with their delicate beaks. Egyptian vultures often construct their nests in caves, though they also do it sometimes on trees and structures. 

 

Other names: Pondicherry Vulture, Indian Black Vulture, Asian King Vulture

Red-headed Vultures are found all over India, though in small numbers with the exception of the western Himalayas. These vultures favor vast spaces, semi-deserts, and scrublands that are far from populated areas. They are distinct, medium-sized raptors with dark plumage, red legs, and red necks. It is well known that Red-headed Vultures eat the dead bodies of ungulates, birds, and even fish. They typically appear alone or in pairs rather than in vast groups, in contrast to many other vultures. They construct nests in large trees. 

 

Known as: Indian White-backed Vulture, White-backed Vultures.

White-rumped Vultures, a medium-sized vulture, are frequently spotted close to areas where people are present. They have black and brown plumage with white neck ruffs. On their lower backs, they also have a white feathered area close to their feet. They frequently appear in groups with different vulture species. White-rumped Vultures consume carrion, like the majority of vultures. However, they have also been seen eating trash and abattoir waste as they dwell close to populated areas. They erect nests atop cliffs and trees. 

 

AKA-Eurasian Griffon

Griffon vultures like the rocky terrain and grasslands of India's northern and northwest as their homes. They have tail feathers that are dark brown or black, a white throat, and light brown or grey fur. Between rocks or in caverns, they erect nests that are protected. When consuming carrion, they are frequently spotted feasting alongside other vultures. They favor the softer sections of the meat on the carcasses of large mammals, which they primarily consume. When they share the carrion with other scavengers, their long necks help them to feed.

 

AKA-Himalayan Griffon.

In Himalayan mountain range, you can find Himalayan Griffons. These raptors like rocky terrain and high summits, and they spend most of their time living between 1200 and 5500 meters above sea level. In contrast to the Griffon Vulture, these huge vultures have pale plumage and distinctive strong beak. Their white heads are another way to recognize them. It is uncommon to encounter Himalayan Griffons in close proximity to populated areas. They primarily eat the carcasses of large mammals and keep an eye on other scavenging birds to find food sources. They often control feeding regions, live in tiny colonies, and keep other vultures from sharing the cadaver. The Himalayan Griffon constructs its nests inside of caverns and is reported to return to the same location. 

 

Alternate names: Eurasian Black Vulture, Monk Vulture, and Black Vulture

Cinereous Vultures, one of the heaviest raptors in the world, may be recognized by their bald heads, dark plumage, and enormous beaks. Due to the fact that these feathers mimic the hood of a monk's cloak, they are also known as Monk Vultures. Cinereous Vultures love the ecosystems of grasslands and woodlands, and they can be found mostly in the northern regions of the nation. They erect nests on cliffs and trees alike. The carrion of medium-sized and large-sized mammals is the primary food source for cinereous vultures, but they are also known to occasionally hunt for live prey, including snakes. 

 

AKA: Ossifrage, Lammergeier

Bearded vultures can be found in rocky areas and mountains, usually at elevations of more than a thousand meters. They are primarily observed in the Himalayan area of India. They can be recognized by their long tail feathers, red eye rings, and rust-like coloring on their face and body. Bearded vultures occasionally take live prey, contrary to popular belief. They are known as "bone-eaters" because they mostly consume carrion and consume a lot of bones. In order to make the bones simpler to eat, they occasionally smash the bones against rough rock surfaces. They catch birds as well. Bearded Vultures construct their nests on cliff ledges or inside caves.